In an unexpected turn of events, TV presenter Gabby Logan had to halt the live broadcast of BBC’s Great North Run. The decision was made to honor a deeply touching moment that moved viewers worldwide.
The live coverage was interrupted to pay tribute to Claire Lomas, famously known as the ‘bionic suit’ fundraiser, who tragically passed away in the Middle East. Claire’s story has touched many lives and her loss left an indelible mark on the running community and beyond. Logan, who recently hosted this year’s Olympics, was live from Tyneside, leading the event’s coverage.
Claire Lomas: An Inspirational Journey
Claire Lomas was an extraordinary marathon fundraiser. Paralyzed from the chest down since 2007, she achieved the remarkable feat of completing the Great North Run in 2016 while donning a bionic suit. However, she tragically lost her life following an accident in Jordan on August 22. The broadcast paid homage to her with a montage that highlighted her memorable moments, including Sir Mo Farah’s final run and her own inspiring achievements.
Gabby Logan, introducing the tribute, shared, “You may have recognized Claire Lomas in her bionic suit, which she wore to complete the Great North Run, having been paralyzed in her sporting career. It is heartbreaking to announce that Claire died recently in Jordan. We will soon pay a proper tribute to this incredible, inspirational woman with Sir Brendan Foster.”
Claire’s Legacy in Sports and Beyond
Claire made history as the first paralysed person to complete the London Marathon using a robotic suit. This pioneering achievement raised £220,000 for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation (NSIF) and earned her the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Her family, including her parents Martin and Joyce, issued a heartfelt statement following her passing: “We are absolutely devastated to lose Claire. We ask for privacy in these coming days as we look to grieve in peace.” Claire is survived by her husband Dan, whom she married in 2010, and their two daughters, Maisie and Chloe.
The Great Run organization also took to social media, posting on X, formerly Twitter, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of the inspirational fundraiser, Claire Lomas MBE. Claire made history as the first person in the UK to walk with a bionic ReWalk suit, inspiring runners across the UK and beyond. Over the past decade, Claire completed many Great Run Series events, raising almost £1 million for various charities.”
Paul Foster, the chief executive of Great Run, added: “Claire was a true inspiration. Her achievement in the 2016 Great North Run was one of the most powerful moments in the history of the event. Everyone at Great Run is devastated by her passing, and we will pay tribute to her at next week’s Great North Run. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.”
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